Watch Seven Days in May

"The astounding story of an astounding military plot to take over the United States! The time is 1970 or 1980 or, possibly, tomorrow!"

In this tense political thriller set during the height of the Cold War, the United States is in turmoil as strikes and global tensions dominate the news and weaken the current administration. When President Lyman (Fredric March) manages to get a US-USSR disarmament treaty passed, it causes his already low popularity with the public to plummet even further. Likewise it creates dissension within the political ranks, among those who distrust the Soviets and their sincerity in the matter.

Over in the Pentagon Colonel Jiggs Casey (Kirk Douglas) who is among those who disagree with the president, is nonetheless shocked when he finds evidence of what appears to be a planned coup d'etat led by the charismatic and popular General Scott (Burt Lancaster) who is known have had his eyes on the White House for some time.

Also featuring Ava Gardner, Edmond O'Brien, and Martin Balsam. Directed by John Frankenheimer, with a screenplay by television legend Rod Serling based off of the book by Fletcher Knebel and Charles W. Bailey II.